I hope she's happy

Chapter 7

Y/N POV

"That's the stuff," you sighed as you stepped out of the bathtub.

After doing your skincare, you took your phone and read Seo Joon's message.

Seo Joon: Hey Y/N.. If you don't mind, do you want to go out for coffee tomorrow? That is if you don't have anything planned for tomorrow.

You gasped at the sight of it. You blinked twice to make sure you weren't seeing things. "Did he just ask me out?", you said in disbelief.

With your heart beating faster and faster as the seconds go by, you replied, "Yeah sure. I don't have any plans yet. Hold on, don't you have any schedule tomorrow?".

Almost immediately, Seo Joon replied.

Seo Joon: I'm on a short break from filming tomorrow, remember?

Y/N: Oh right.

Seo Joon: So are you up for it?

(The Next Day)

Who would've thought you would be traveling to this very cafe again. It was one you used to frequent with him back in the day, when you guys wanted a nice cafe date without being recognised by other patrons or passers by. Walking up the stairs to the entrance of the cafe brought about a bittersweet feeling in your pit.

Entering the cafe, your eyes scanned the room for a good spot. While doing so, your eyes laid on a familiar silhouette, sitting by the glass window that was graced by an immaculate view of hanoks from above. As if on cue, Seo Joon lifted up his gaze and smiled at you. That act alone, made your heart do a somersault.

"Hi. It's been a while..", was what you said with a soft smile when you reached your destined spot.

"Yes. It's been a while.. Hope you don't mind that I went ahead and got you your usual," he said, as you took a seat on the chair beside him. On the table in front of you was a cup of your favorite Iced Flat White along with his Mocha.

"Thanks..", you muttered before you took a sip of it.

Seo Joon: Isn't it amazing that it still tastes the same? The Mocha still tastes like how it was back then.

Y/N: Yeah. Still good.

Seo Joon: So.. How have you been?

You cleared your throat and said, "It's been great. Like what I said yesterday, I've been busy at work. Life's great. You?"

Seo Joon: Yup. Whatever I said yesterday..

Not knowing what to say next, an awkward silence occurred. But within seconds, Seo Joon started laughing.

Seo Joon: I'm sorry. I know it's very abrupt for us to meet again after so long. Hope it's not weird..

Y/N: I must say, it feels weird to be back here again.. with you.. drinking the same drinks we used to drink.

Seo Joon: Yeah.. I missed this.

You glanced over to Seo Joon. His eyes were fixed on the cuppa that he was stirring, a trait of his that he does whenever he's nervous.

"Are you seeing someone at the moment?", asked Seo Joon as he lifted his head up to look at you.

"I.. I'm not. I haven't got the time for that," you stated matter of factly. Honestly, at this point in time, you weren't sure if that was the whole truth. Were you really too busy for someone special, or were you still carrying a torch for him?

Seo Joon: Oh.. That's a shame..

Y/N: Yeah.. Ever since the promotion, I have barely got the time to breathe, let alone go out on dates. Ha Yoon can vouch for that. She has been whining about me not spending enough time with her ever since.

You chuckled.

Seo Joon: Oh I remember Ha Yoon. How is she? Is she still that energetic and cheery?

Y/N: Yeah. Still the same old her.

Yet another moment of silence occurred as the two of you gazed out to the scenery before you.

Y/N: How about you? Are you seeing anyone?

Seo Joon took a deep breath and said, "Not at the moment. I had lots on my mind and on my plate.."

Not knowing what else to say, you sat there quietly with your drink in your hand.

Seo Joon: You know what. I'll just cut to the chase. I've been thinking about you lately Y/N..

You brought your hands down onto your lap and looked over at him in silence.

Seo Joon: In fact, it's not just lately. I never stopped thinking about you, thinking about us.. I know I'm a coward for not reaching out to you earlier. I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me. Afraid of your rejection..

Y/N: Then.. Why now?

Seo Joon: I don't know..

You were about to say something when Seo Joon spoke again.

Seo Joon: I know it's impossible for us to go back to how we used to be in the past. But I missed you so much Y/N.. I miss having you in my life. I miss coming home to your embrace after a long day. I miss everything..

He moved forward and placed a hand over your outstretched hand.

Seo Joon: I know you said you don't have the time to date, let alone have a significant other in your life.. But could you give us a second chance? I know this is very sudden and a lot to ask for.. You don't have to answer me right away..

Y/N: Seo Joon.. I..

At that moment, your phone buzzed. You mouthed a quick 'sorry' in his direction as you slipped your hand away from his and went away to pick up the phone.

Ha Yoon: Hey Y/N! Where are you now? I'm near your place. Do you want to have dinner together?

Y/N: I'm out you idiot! Didn't I tell you I had a date?

Ha Yoon: Oh sh*t! With Seo Joon? How is it? Am I disturbing? I'm sorry for disturbing you! You should go.

Y/N: No no no!! You called just in time.

Ha Yoon: What? Why?

"No time to explain. He's looking over in my direction now. I'll call you back in a sec!", and with that you ended the call.

"I'm sorry," you said as you picked up your bag from the chair in a hurry. "I've got to run. Something came up at work and I need to head back to the office," you lied.

"Oh.. Can I offer you a ride to your office?", he asked.

"No, it's okay. I called a cab and it will be here soon. Thanks for the coffee," you said as you ran out of the cafe before giving him a weak smile.